The official Pokémon website has announced that an increased chance of encountering Azumarill, Lopunny, Diggersby, and Gigantamax Cinderace will occur in Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield from April 2nd, 2021 through April 4, 2021.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Offers Gigantamax Cinderace Max Raid Battles

Hop into action against Azumarill, Lopunny, Diggersby, and Gigantamax Cinderace through April 4, 2021.

Celebrate one of the season's cutest harbingers with a bunny-themed event in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Through April 4, 2021, at 4:59 p.m. PDT, Trainers can expect an increased chance of encountering Azumarill, Lopunny, and Diggersby in Max Raid Battles. Truly lucky Trainers might even encounter a Shiny Azumarill burrowed in a Pokémon Den.

Throughout the event, Gigantamax Cinderace will be making a rare appearance in five-star Max Raid Battles. Trainers won't be able to catch the Striker Pokémon, but defeating it will reward Trainers with lots of useful Candy. Strike fast, because Gigantamax Cinderace encounters are only available in Max Raid Battles through April 4, 2021.

To encounter these Pokémon in a Max Raid Battle, you'll need to connect your Nintendo Switch system to the internet. Then, whenever you see a pillar of light shining from a Pokémon Den in the Wild Area or elsewhere, you can walk up to the Pokémon Den and interact with it to start a Max Raid Battle with a Dynamax Pokémon. This event does not affect the Pokémon encountered within Dynamax Adventures.

Hoppy battling!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield-offers-gigantamax-cinderace-max-raid-battles/

On Thursday, July 22nd, 2021, pedometers in collaboration with Tanita will appear at the Pokémon Center! The pedometer is equipped with a 3D sensor that counts the number of steps you take even if you leave it in your bag, and has the emblems of Team Instinct, Team Mystic, and Team Valor from Pokémon GO on it. Wear a pedometer with the emblem of your team and enjoy Pokémon GO even more! The Pokémon Center Online will be accepting pre-orders from April 2nd, 2021 until Sunday, May 2nd, 2021.

Also available will be 132 pedometers featuring artwork of Pokémon and characters from the Galar Region which is the location for the games Pokémon Sword and Shield. They will be available for 3,850 yen each and the Pokémon Center Online will also be accepting pre-orders for those pedometers from April 2nd, 2021 until Sunday, May 2nd, 2021.

Item List (English):

Tanita Pedometer Pokémon GO Team Instinct - 3,850 yen (tax included)
Tanita Pedometer Pokémon GO Team Mystic - 3,850 yen (tax included)
Tanita Pedometer Pokémon GO Team Valo - 3,850 yen (tax included)

Item List (Japanese):

タニタ歩数計 Pokémon GO チームインスティンクト 3,850円（税込）
タニタ歩数計 Pokémon GO チームミスティック 3,850円（税込）
タニタ歩数計 Pokémon GO チームヴァーラー 3,850円（税込）

Sources: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/goods/2021/04/210402_to02.htmll and https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/?main_page=product_list&sort=new&keyword=TANITA2021&banner=TANITA2021

The official Pokémon website has announced the full details for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Ranked Battles April 2021 (Season 17).

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Ranked Battles April 2021 (Season 17)

Spring into action with one usually restricted Legendary Pokémon on your team throughout the month.
A new Ranked Battles season is here, and with it comes fresh opportunities to test your battling skills. The leaderboards reset every month, so now's the perfect time to jump in. The Ranked Battles April 2021 Season (Season 17) will follow the Series 8 regulations, which means you can battle with one powerful, usually ineligible Legendary Pokémon at your side.

Battle head-to-head against players around the world, move up the global leaderboards, and earn helpful in-game rewards throughout the month!

Only Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield or those with the battle-ready symbol are eligible. Pokémon from previous games in the Pokémon series can receive the battle-ready symbol from the character next to the door in the center of the Battle Tower. When the battle-ready symbol is applied to your Pokémon, your Pokémon will forget the moves it knows. If your Pokémon forgets moves that it cannot use or learn in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, those moves cannot be relearned.

Eligible Special Pokémon

Only one of the following special Pokémon may be registered to your Battle Team: Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, or Calyrex.

Ineligible Pokémon

These Pokémon are not permitted on your Battle Team: Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Victini, Keldeo, Genesect, Diancie, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, Melmetal, and Zarude.

How to Start a Ranked Battle

To start a Ranked Battle, follow these steps:

1. Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Open the X menu.
3. Select VS.
4. Select Battle Stadium.
5. Select Ranked Battles.

April Season Rewards

Before battle, you'll be matched up with other players of similar rank to ensure even competition. The higher the tier you finish in, the greater the in-game rewards you'll receive after the season concludes. The April 2021 season rewards include the following.

Master Ball Tier

• Gold Bottle Cap ×3
• 600 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×30
• Armorite Ore ×30

Ultra Ball Tier

• Gold Bottle Cap ×1
• 300 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×10
• Armorite Ore ×10

Great Ball Tier

• Bottle Cap ×3
• Ability Capsule ×1
• 100 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×5
• Armorite Ore ×5

Poké Ball Tier and Beginner Tier

• Ability Capsule ×1
• 50 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×5
• Armorite Ore ×5

How to Receive In-Game Rewards

Once the season is over, you can collect your in-game rewards. Remember, you will need to finish at least one match with a win or loss during the April season to be eligible for rewards at the end of the season. To receive your in-game rewards, follow these steps:

1. After the competition has ended, launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Open the X menu.
3. Select Mystery Gift.
4. Select Get a Mystery Gift.
5. Select Get Battle Stadium Rewards.

Good luck battling in the Ranked Battles April 2021 Season!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield-ranked-battles-april-2021-season-17/

The official Pokémon website has announced that from March 26th, 2021 through March 28th, 2021, at 4:59 p.m. PDT, Pokémon Sword and Shield players are more likely to encounter Vileplume, Bellossom, Cherrim, Lilligant, Lurantis, and Comfey in Max Raid Battles. Some players might even find a Shiny Lilligant!

Floral Pokémon Are Blooming in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Max Raid Battles

Celebrate the beauty of spring through March 28, 2021, by catching flower-themed Pokémon in Max Raid Battles, including the chance to encounter a Shiny Lilligant.

Spring has sprung in Galar, bringing with it a host of aromatic and flowery Pokémon. Through March 28, 2021, at 4:59 p.m. PDT, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Trainers are more likely to encounter Vileplume, Bellossom, Cherrim, Lilligant, Lurantis, and Comfey in Max Raid Battles. Lucky Trainers with a green thumb might even find a Shiny Lilligant. This event is a great chance to add some extra flower power to your Pokédex!

To encounter these floral Pokémon in Max Raid Battles, you'll need to connect your Nintendo Switch system to the internet. Then, whenever you see a pillar of light shining from a Pokémon Den in the Wild Area or elsewhere, walk up to the Pokémon Den and interact with it to start a Max Raid Battle with a Dynamax Pokémon. This event does not affect the Pokémon encountered within Dynamax Adventures.

Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers as you participate in Max Raid Battles

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/floral-pokemon-are-blooming-in-pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield-max-raid-battles/

The official Pokémon website has announced the Pokémon Players Cup IV which will begin in April 2021.

Pokémon Players Cup IV Begins April 2021, Includes Pokémon TCG and Video Games

Get the info you need to participate in and watch the Pokémon TCG, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, and Pokkén Tournament DX competition.

The Pokémon Players Cup IV online tournament is approaching, Trainers. This exciting competition will take place April through July 2021, and it will see some of the best Pokémon Trainers from around the world square off to win a share of $45,000 in prizes and, perhaps more importantly, bragging rights as one of the top Pokémon Trainers in the world. Participation in the Pokémon Players Cup IV is open to all Masters Division players, and the tournament will take place entirely online.

There will be three separate competitions in the Pokémon Players Cup IV—one featuring the Pokémon Trading Card Game, one featuring the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games, and one featuring the Pokkén Tournament DX video game.

Eligible competitors can earn their places in the Region Qualifiers through qualifying events. To participate in these events, players MUST have a Pokémon Trainer Club account and have a Player ID before the first phase of a Players Cup tournament. Pokémon TCG players also need to have logged in to the Pokémon TCG Online with a Player ID attached to their PTC account between January 16, 2021, and April 16, 2021, to participate.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video game players will battle in the Pokémon Players Cup IV Qualifier to lock in a spot for the Region Qualifiers. Video game players need to have linked their Pokémon Trainer Club account to their Nintendo account before the Pokémon Players Cup IV Qualifier begins. See details for video game participants.

Pokémon TCG players will compete in tournaments during a qualifying period in the Pokémon TCG Online. See details for Pokémon TCG participants.

Pokkén Tournament DX players will compete in Online Qualifiers within their region. All players will be required to register online before the qualification date and will need an account with both Discord and Battlefy to participate. See details for Pokkén Tournament DX participants.

All Pokémon Players Cup IV events will be streamed to fans can watch the thrilling battles and cheer on their favorite competitors. You can follow along here on Pokemon.com, on Twitch, or on YouTube. Our team of experts will be on hand to provide insightful commentary on all the action. Get details on Pokémon Players Cup IV streaming.

About the Pokémon Players Cup IV

The fourth installment of the Pokémon Players Cup is an online tournament taking place from April through late July 2021. Players from around the world will have the opportunity to prove their mettle as Pokémon Trainers. Battle against other Trainers around the world to win a share of $45,000 in prizes and, perhaps more importantly, bragging rights as one of the top Pokémon Trainers in the world!

The fourth Pokémon Players Cup will feature three separate competitions—one for Pokémon TCG players, one for video game players featuring Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, and one for Pokkén Tournament DX players. The video game competition will use the Pokémon Video Game Championships (VGC) rules. Participation in the Pokémon Players Cup IV is limited to Masters Division players. Additional eligibility rules may apply.

The Pokémon Players Cup IV will take place in three phases: an open qualifier, a Region Qualifier round, and the Global Finals. Be sure to check out the Pokémon TCG event, the video game event, and the Pokkén Tournament DX event pages for information including scheduling, prizes, and more.

The players who come out on top in the qualifier stages will be eligible to compete in the final stage of the Pokémon Players Cup IV in July. Matches will be broadcast on the official Pokémon Twitch and YouTube channels. Learn more on the Pokémon Players Cup IV stream information page.

Qualifying for the Pokémon Players Cup IV Global Finals

From the Pokémon Players Cup IV Region Qualifiers, the following numbers of players will be selected to compete in the finals.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

• 4 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV North America Region Qualifier
• 4 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV Europe Region Qualifier
• 4 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV Latin America Region Qualifier
• 4 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV Oceania Region Qualifier

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

• 4 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV North America Region Qualifier
• 4 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV Europe Region Qualifier
• 4 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV Latin America Region Qualifier
• 4 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV Oceania Region Qualifier

Pokkén Tournament DX

• 4 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV North America Region Qualifier
• 3 players from the Pokémon Players Cup IV Europe Region Qualifier
• 1 player from the Pokémon Players Cup IV Oceania Region Qualifier

The Oceania rating zone comprises only Australia and New Zealand.

Prizes

• Pokémon Trading Card Game Online based on final standings from the Global Finals:
  • 1st: $5,000
  • 2nd: $3,500
  • 3rd: $2,500
  • 4th: $2,000
  • T-5th: $1,250
  • T-7th: $750
  • T-9th: $500
  • T-13th: $250
• Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield based on final standings from the Global Finals:
  • 1st: $5,000
  • 2nd: $3,500
  • 3rd: $2,500
  • 4th: $2,000
  • T-5th: $1,250
  • T-7th: $750
  • T-9th: $500
  • T-13th: $250
• Pokkén Tournament DX based on final standings from the Global Finals:
  • 1st: $1,250
  • 2nd: $1,000
  • 3rd: $750
  • 4th: $600
  • T-5th: $450
  • T-7th: $250
• Eligible players who qualify for the Region Qualifiers for the Pokémon TCG or video game competition (or the Global Finals for Pokkén Tournament DX) and who also have a Pokémon TCG Online account will receive a special in-game deck box and card sleeves. Players must have logged in to the Pokémon TCG Online with their participating Pokémon Trainer Club account at least once prior to the start of the Region Qualifiers in order to receive these items—they will not be retroactively granted if players do not complete this step on time.

Good luck in the Pokémon Players Cup IV, Trainers!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-players-cup-iv/about/

SELL (Syndicat des éditeurs de logiciels de loisirs) presented the yearly results of the video game industry in France with their March 2021 issue which is titled Essential Video Game News and it revealed the sales figures for France in 2020. Pokémon Épée and Bouclier are both in their second year and Pokémon Épée (Sword) placed 19th overall in sales selling 158,598 copies generating 8,086,911 € and Pokémon Bouclier (Shield) did not make the charts. Last years sales info for France is available here.


Source: https://www.sell.fr/sites/default/files/essentiel-jeu-video/essential_video_game_news_sell_march2021.pdf and https://www.sell.fr/sites/default/files/essentiel-jeu-video/ejv_mars_21_def_web_.pdf